This site is devoted to coverage of Missoula area legislative races and ballot issues. The articles were produced by students at the University of Montana School of Journalism.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

House District 92: Robin Hamilton

DEMOCRAT AGE: 61OCCUPATION: Retired teacher, Hellgate High School in Missoula; Co-owner of The Shack restaurant in Missoula.HOMETOWN: Missoula, Mont.FAMILY: Wife: Peggy Patrick; one sonEDUCATION: B.A. in English, M.A. in Education and Administration, and M.F.A. in Creative Writing, all from the University of MontanaPOLITICAL OR PUBLIC SERVICE: Montana House of Representatives, 2004-present.

Hamilton focuses on education policy, growthBy JOSH BENHAM

Robin Hamilton spent 32 years in front of the chalkboard – the last 24 of them teaching English at Hellgate High School. When he lay down his chalk, he went to Helena to try educating lawmakers about how the state can help teachers and students.

“Being in education I saw Republicans reduce funding in the public school system for 16 years,” Hamilton said. As he neared retirement in 2004, friends called and suggested he run for the HD92 seat and take his concerns about school funding to Helena. He won, and he wants to keep his new job. -MORE-